Muskegon Lumberjack Chris Lochner: A perfect gentleman on the ice

Chris Lochner of the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Zemgus Girgensons of the Dubuque Fighting Saints jockey for possession during their game Friday, November 19, 2010.
(JEFFREY BALL / The Muskegon Chronicle)
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Chris Lochner readily admits that he knows how to get away with a penalty or two.

It's 34 games into the United States Hockey League season and the Muskegon Lumberjack forward has not seen the inside of the penalty box.

“Unfortunately, I have zero, but that's a good thing in a way,” said Lochner, a 21-year-old native of Alpharetta, Ga. “There have been no power-play goals for the other team.

“I think I should have had a couple high-sticking or tripping penalties that he didn't call. At least two or three.”

Lumberjack coach Kevin Patrick would rather not see Lochner in the penalty box. His value to the team has escalated significantly since the start of the season.

“There was an adjustment period for him and he has adjusted to this league,” Patrick said. “He's done a great job on the penalty kill and he's strong on the faceoffs.”

And, he's third on the team in scoring despite not getting a lot of ice time on the Jacks' power play. In Tuesday night's 5-4 overtime loss to Indiana, Lochner, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, had a goal and an assist while skating between two of the Lumberjacks' bigger players — newcomer Christian Kraus and Brendan Woods, both of whom stand 6-foot-2.

“Two big wingers and a small, little centerman,” Lochner said with a laugh.

Lochner has 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. He's also among the team leaders at plus-7.

Lochner, whose dream was to play in the USHL, made it to the league in his final year of eligibility. The last three seasons he's been playing in lower junior leagues.

“The depth is way better here and there are a lot of younger guys,” Lochner said. “Some of these 16- and 17-year-old kids are amazing.

“This is the best best Tier 1 league in the country,” said Locher, who is hoping that added exposure and his elevated play will help him earn a Division I scholarship.

“I've talked to some DI schools,” he said. “It's still in the process and I just have to keep playing good.”

Lochner has taken several classes through Muskegon Community College, including sports nutrition, math and history.

Lochner's focus, along with his teammates, is twofold — put together a winning streak and play some home games at L.C. Walker Arena.

“Trust me, the bus is getting annoying,” Lochner said. “The bus trips are really starting to get to us.”

The Jacks will hit the road tonight for a game in Youngstown, then return home to host the Phantoms on Saturday night.

“We haven't been home much lately,” Lochner said. “Every weekend, it's on the bus for an 8-9 hour drive. Everyone is ready to get some home games.”

And with the playoffs looming, it's time for the Lumberjacks to put together a winning streak.

“I think we need to start putting a winning streak together,” Lochner said. “The playoffs are coming up and you want to start playing your best hockey now so when you get to the playoffs, you can just keep rolling.”